A vote for keeping traditional opera

As a season subscriber to the San Diego Opera, I read with interest the April 28 article “Opera ponders radical changes to keep afloat” (April 28). Unfortunately, they will lose me and my husband as subscribers when they turn opera into musical theater. What they are proposing — modernizing it, “spicing it up” and appealing to a younger audience —can no longer be considered opera. They are taking away what appeals to opera lovers: “opera on a grand scale,” which is what opera should be.

If San Diego cannot support opera as it has been — traditional and grandiose — then the city does not deserve having it. I know I would not subscribe to see an opera with vampires and jazz in it.

Yolanda Emery

La Mesa

Parking, shuttle available in park

Regarding the April 26 letter, “Balboa Park shuttles — what shuttle,” I have found more than enough handicapped parking places in the large lot at the old Naval Hospital grounds on the east side of Park Boulevard serviced frequently by the large shuttle vehicles.

Granted, it is difficult for handicapped individuals to make their way around inside the museums, but there are plenty of resting places between the shuttle stop and the buildings.

Evelyn Hightower

Spring Valley

Anti-nukes should deal with plant now

The April 25 letter “PUC rolls over on San Onofre costs” fails to mention an important fact. Technically, the plant wasn’t shut down because of the steam generator screwup but actually scrapped because of heavy handed Nuclear Regulatory Commission action (read anti-nuke political pressure).

After a year of analysis, Southern California Edison concluded it could run both plants safely and reliably at 70 percent power providing over 1,500 megawatts of power to our grid, 24/7, for many years to come, with zero carbon pollution.

The NRC denied the option and ruled that a new licensing application would be required, which is akin to a death sentence. My car will do 100 mph on the freeway, but 70 is safer and the car lasts much longer. So for anti-nukes, you got your way. Start turning off lights, go back to watching a 21-inch TV, and, if you’re going to kill something, deal with burying the carcass.

John Wimberly

Chula Vista

Can’t plead ignorance in parking ticket case

A visitor from Illinois was ticketed for wheel cramping and said “it is unreasonable to ticket visitors who have no knowledge of the rule” (“Visitor gets a fine — but there was no sign,” April 28).

Any of us visiting Illinois would get the same citation under Illinois Vehicle Code Sec. 11-1401, “when standing upon any perceptible grade, turning the front wheels to the curb or side of the highway.” Ignorance is not an excuse.

Jon Simonsen

San Diego

Saving water

One easy way to conserve is for restaurants to serve water only upon request. This not only conserves in consumption, but also in washing the glasses. It’s time we all pitch in.